So it’s official. We know, 100%, that Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent will indeed leave Rangers in 7 days, as Rangers confirm finally, and absolutely, that the Colombian and the Englishman will follow Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Filip Helander out of the door.
In truth, we were actually genuinely surprised just five names were announced, but this does finally and unequivocally end Morelos and Kent’s time at Rangers.
Now, why did neither of them sign new deals?
Answer? They weren’t happy at Rangers anymore. It wasn’t really money, they just wanted to leave Scotland.
Alfredo Morelos has sought his move out for 6 years, and resented deeply the rejection of Lille’s bid in 2020. Since then he’s been in the huff with the club, Ross Wilson and Stewart Robertson in particular, and been wanting to get his move even more. He thought he’d cracked it with Porto but that fell through too. In fairness, he signed deal extensions twice to protect Rangers’ asset, but we messed that one up, guys.
In the end, Morelos was desperate to leave, and he even took a wee parting shot with yet another cryptic social media post pouring cold water on his recent club award for European record. He didn’t want us, and he sure didn’t want the Scottish Premiership.
So, he goes.
As for Kent? He was happy, and he was settled, but Rangers’ last two poor seasons, Sevilla aside, put him off long-term commitment. He was also well-known for having become ‘fed up’ with Scottish football and wanted to try something new while still at a good age. He doesn’t hate or resent Rangers, he still loves our club, but fan hate towards him in recent months has certainly taken its toll and he’s taken the decision for the good of his career and his happiness. He did not deserve the rubbish he’s taken from a good chunk of the supporters.
So they move on – in Morelos’ case ‘thank God’, in Kent’s case with a twinge of frustration at what could have been.
We will follow their post-Rangers careers with interest, given how big a part of the club they’ve been. But we’re not sure all Rangers fans will wish them both well…